For the Beautiful One said “Stay; Tell the children of God’s own love. Breathing forth fragrance all the way; Giving the smiles sent from above.” So we watch for the little crib; Strewing leaves on the baby’s bib. LULLABY OF THE SUN The first baby ever to earth was born, I kissed with my beams on its natal morn. I made the dews sparkle, the tender buds bloom, The air of the morning with sweets to perfume. I love all the babies my sunbeams to see; I love them and all of the babies love me. The babies they hide from me always grow pale. None can be rosy and happy and hale But those that I nourish with warmth and with light; E’en in the darkness I never leave quite; I shine ’round the corners from planet and moon, To whisper “Take courage, I’ll be with you soon.” Then, touching the morning cloud, touching the hills, I send out the twilight that wakens the rills. And more and more pouring my sunbeams afar, Till dew-drops are diamonds, and hid is each star; I wake all the babies my glories to see. I love them and all of the babies love me! EARTH’S REQUIEM FOR THE LITTLE ONES Never a baby soul fluttered away But I must tenderly treasure the clay, Holding it close to my motherly breast, Hiding it under my mantle to rest; To rest till the Father who builded the skies Shall waken the dust, and bid it arise. Every sweet babe, in my bosom I hold, Is a bright angel to never grow old. Wee, waxen hands so quietly folded; Little, still feet—divinely they’re molded! Eyes that once sparkled and yet to awake When Resurrection’s bright morning shall break. DARLING BABY Do you see the darling baby Laughing in her crib? She has learned to get the bonnet And untie her bib. She pulls off her little stockings Playing with her toes. And her feet are soft as velvet, Pinky as the rose. Well, baby may be a mother In a little while; So take care what things you teach her By your word and smile. For she’ll be just what you make her, Selfish, proud and cold: Or she may be like the angels, Sweet and pure as gold. THE ANCIENT OF DAYS